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Synopsis

This unit is the second of the two units designed to familiarise health science students with the anatomical structures and physiological functions of the systems of the human body that underpin the regulatory mechanisms for homeostatic control. Students will be introduced to the structure and function of the cardiovascular, circulatory and respiratory systems together with their vital role in maintaining homeostasis. The key features of the lymphatic system and the properties of blood will be discussed. The unit will continue with a look at the importance of the endocrine system and its role in integrating various functions to control homeostasis. Students will be introduced to the key anatomical and physiological features of the urinary and digestive systems and the importance of maintaining pH and fluid balance within the body. Finally, students will be introduced to the reproductive systems, pregnancy and development. Throughout the unit, clinical connections will be made with the systems addressed so that students will understand the relevance of the topics included in the unit to the health and human science disciplines.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Explain the interdependence of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and how they maintain homeostasis.

Discuss the components and functions of blood and the lymphatic system and how they maintain homeostasis.

Explain how the endocrine system integrates various body functions.

Outline the functions of the urinary system and explain how it contributes to maintaining pH, blood volume and the composition of body fluids.

Identify the structures of the digestive system and explain their role in digestion, absorption and metabolism.

Describe the structures of the male and female reproductive systems and explain how offspring are produced with respect to gametogenesis, fertilisation, embryonic and foetal development, maternal adaptations and patterns of inheritance.

Assessment

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.